In Southern Maryland, where the winding roads of St. Mary’s, Charles, and Calvert counties connect historic waterfront communities to modern economic hubs, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has unveiled a transformative vision for the region’s infrastructure. On September 3, 2025, MDOT released its Draft Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) for Fiscal Years 2026–2031, a $21.5 billion blueprint designed to enhance safety, maintain critical infrastructure, and bolster economic growth across the state. For Southern Maryland, the plan promises significant investments, including a key project in St. Mary’s County, that will improve mobility, accessibility, and connectivity for residents from Leonardtown to Prince Frederick.
The Draft CTP, bolstered by Governor Wes Moore’s budget and approximately $400 million in additional annual state revenues approved by the General Assembly, reflects a strategic approach to leveraging state dollars to secure federal funding. This effort has increased the program’s budget by nearly $300 million compared to the Final CTP for Fiscal Years 2025–2030, enabling MDOT to advance projects that resonate with Southern Maryland’s unique needs. “This capital budget focuses on our priorities of enhancing safety, maintaining our system, and driving economic growth,” said Acting Maryland Transportation Secretary Samantha J. Biddle. “Thanks to Governor Moore’s leadership and the General Assembly’s commitment to transportation funding, the additional revenues allow us to continue to advance projects that achieve these goals”.
A cornerstone of the Draft CTP for Southern Maryland is the MD 5–Great Mills project in St. Mary’s County. This initiative addresses mobility and accessibility challenges along a vital corridor, replacing the aging bridge over the St. Mary’s River. The project, set to advance to construction with federal matching funds, will improve traffic flow and safety for residents traveling through Great Mills, a growing community near Naval Air Station Patuxent River. With St. Mary’s County’s population of approximately 114,000 and its role as a hub for defense and aerospace industries, the MD 5 project is poised to support both daily commuters and the region’s economic vitality.
Beyond St. Mary’s, the Draft CTP prioritizes safety and accessibility across all transportation modes, aligning with Southern Maryland’s needs as a region where rural roads and suburban growth intersect. The plan includes investments in Complete Streets projects, which enhance pedestrian and bicycle access, a critical need in areas like La Plata and Waldorf, where suburban development has increased demand for multimodal connectivity. These initiatives aim to make Southern Maryland’s roads safer for vulnerable users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, who navigate busy corridors like MD 235 or US 301.
The $21.5 billion program, funded through the Transportation Trust Fund, supports MDOT’s business units, including the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), State Highway Administration (SHA), and Maryland Port Administration, among others. For Southern Maryland, the MTA’s reinvestment in transit services, such as the modernization of the central light rail line, could improve connectivity to urban centers like Baltimore, benefiting commuters from Charles County’s northern reaches. Additionally, MDOT’s commitment to maintaining Highway User Revenues (HUR) and Locally Operated Transit Systems (LOTS) grants ensures that local governments in St. Mary’s, Charles, and Calvert counties have the resources to address community-specific transportation needs, from road repairs in rural Hollywood to bus services in Prince Frederick.
Southern Maryland’s transportation infrastructure is also tied to broader state projects, such as modernization efforts at the Port of Baltimore’s Dundalk Marine Terminal and ecosystem restoration initiatives like the James Island phased restoration. While these projects are centered outside the region, they support Southern Maryland’s economy by facilitating trade and job creation, particularly for residents employed in logistics or maritime industries. The Port of Baltimore, a key economic driver, supports thousands of jobs statewide, including in Southern Maryland, where workers contribute to the region’s growing industrial base.
The Draft CTP’s release marks the start of MDOT’s public engagement process, a hallmark of Maryland’s transportation planning. Between September and November 2025, MDOT officials will visit every Maryland county, including St. Mary’s, Charles, and Calvert, to gather input from residents and local leaders. These meetings, hosted by local jurisdictions, provide Southern Marylanders an opportunity to voice priorities, whether it’s safer pedestrian crossings in Leonardtown or improved transit options in Hughesville. The schedule, available at ctp.maryland.gov, is subject to updates, ensuring flexibility for community participation.
Following the public engagement tour, MDOT will refine the Draft CTP and submit the Final Fiscal Year 2026–2031 CTP to the Maryland General Assembly in January 2026 for consideration during the legislative session. This process reflects Maryland’s commitment to transparency, as mandated by Chapter 725 of the Acts of 2010, which requires MDOT to align projects with state goals like the Maryland Transportation Plan and local priorities. For Southern Maryland, this collaborative approach ensures that projects like MD 5–Great Mills reflect the region’s needs, from supporting military families near Patuxent River to easing congestion for commuters traveling to Washington, D.C.
The Draft CTP builds on previous investments in Southern Maryland, such as recent upgrades to MD 235 in California, which improved traffic flow and safety. With a focus on system preservation, the plan ensures that roads and bridges across the tri-county area remain in good repair, critical for a region where rural routes like MD 4 and MD 6 connect communities to economic hubs. The additional $5 billion from the Maryland Transportation Authority’s toll facilities, funded by user tolls, further enhances the state’s transportation network, indirectly benefiting Southern Maryland through improved regional connectivity.
For Southern Maryland, the Draft CTP is more than a budget—it’s a commitment to the region’s future. By prioritizing projects like MD 5–Great Mills and supporting local transit and safety initiatives, MDOT is addressing the unique challenges of a region where historic charm meets modern growth. As St. Mary’s, Charles, and Calvert counties continue to evolve, these investments will ensure safer roads, better transit, and stronger economic opportunities for all Southern Marylanders.
